US Congressman tours new Aurora Specialty Textiles plant

US Representative Randy Hultgren, Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, has concluded a tour at the new, state-of-the-art, textile manufacturing plant and operations at Aurora Specialty Textiles Group (ASTG) in Yorkville, Illinois, US, which took place last week.

The visit included a question and answer session with several members of the plant’s senior management staff and a tour of the plant’s new 124,000 square foot manufacturing operations led by Dan LaTurno, president of ASTG. The tour also included ASTG’s new ultra-wide width coating operations.

“It was a distinct honour to host Congressman Hultgren today and display our world-class textile processing operation,” said Dan LaTurno, president of ASTG. “We at Aurora strive every day to prove that a successful textile operation can operate in North America. Thanks to Meridian’s continued support and investment in next generation textile technologies, our mission to double our sales by 2021 is well within reach.”

New plant

The new plant features the EHWHA ultra wide-width coating and finishing line, which works easily with a broad range of woven and non-woven materials up to 134” wide. The EHWHA enhances Aurora’s ability to serve both current and new customers. With the new developments, Aurora is poised to move into a leader position in several new, expanding textile markets, the manufacturer reports.

“Every time I visit one of the many flourishing manufacturers in the 14th District, I am amazed by the innovation that’s taking place right here in Illinois. I am proud of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group’s rich history of manufacturing and continued job creation and expansion in the Yorkville area,” commented U S Representative Randy Hultgren.

“We must continue to support our manufacturers and their ability to expand and hire more workers through smart legislation.”

Opening of the plant

The company celebrated the end of a two-year period that began with the decision to invest in a new, state-of-the art North American textile manufacturing operation, in a new location, in October last year.

The grand opening celebrations marked the formal launch of the company’s new high tech manufacturing facility and the company’s commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technology while moving into new global markets for wide width coating and finishing, including print media.

According to Dan LaTurno, president of Aurora, the “new Aurora” reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the industries it serves. “As the world changes, we now have the world-class capabilities, state-of-the-art equipment and expertise within R&D to meet those challenges,” he said.

Investment

Founded in 1883 on the west side of the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, USA, just north of downtown, Aurora operated solely as a bleaching operation before adding finishing, dyeing and coating capabilities. Pindyck purchased Aurora in 1977. Today, the company provides a wide range of coating, finishing and dying capabilities to the global textile industry and manufactures a wide range of printable textiles designed to work optimally with the latest digital print technologies.

Up until about a year ago, the company maintained operations solely in the Aurora plant. But seeing new opportunities emerging, and the need to invest in new equipment and technology to support ultra-wide-width coating, company leadership decided to invest in a new plant and equipment.

At the same time, the company decided to maintain operations within commuting distance of the existing plant and began looking for facilities nearby. With the move to Yorkville, ASTG also began adding new employees, while training existing employees to operate a new generation of textile equipment.

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group is a leader in coating, dyeing and finishing of both woven and nonwoven fabrics. Based in Yorkville, in 2015 the company invested in a new state-of-the-art, wide width coating and finishing line, and a new facility, significantly expanding its capabilities.